A man has been charged after illicit drugs were allegedly seized during a vehicle stop in Newcastle overnight.

About 11.40pm (Wednesday 8 June 2016), police from Newcastle City Local Area Command stopped a vehicle at a service station on Maitland Road, Islington.

Police spoke with the driver, a 19-year-old woman, and her passenger, a 25-year-old man, before searching them and the vehicle.

During the search police allegedly located a quantity of illicit drugs believed to be cocaine, methyl amphetamine (‘Ice’) and speed and cash in the man’s possession.

The items were seized for further forensic analysis.

The man was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with supply prohibited drug (x2), possess prohibited drug and deal with proceeds of crime.

He was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 9 June 2016).

The woman is to be issued with a Future Court Attendance Notice for drive while disqualified and will attend court at a later date.

Police are investigating two armed robberies in the Port Stephens and Central Hunter regions yesterday.

About 9.20pm (Tuesday 7 June 2016), two men entered a service station on the Pacific Highway at Heatherbrae. One man threatened the female attendant with a syringe and demanded cash, to which she complied.

The men left the service station and were last seen running towards the Pacific Highway.

About an hour later at 10.25pm (Tuesday 7 June 2016), two men entered a service station on the New England Highway at Maitland. One man kept watch at the door while the other threatened the male attendant with a syringe. The man demanded cash and cigarettes to which the attendant complied.

Both men then ran from the scene.

Police believe the incidents are connected and would like to speak with two men who may be able to assist with inquiries.

One man is described as being Caucasian, aged 16 to 22, about 173cm tall with a thin build and short brown hair. He was last seen wearing a hooded jumper with dark sleeves and a red and yellow “Superman” logo, dark pants and black and white “Nike” joggers. He was also carrying a light-blue soft fabric bag.

The other man is described as being Caucasian, aged 16 to 22 with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper, black tracksuit pants and dark grey and yellow joggers and his face was covered by a scarf.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.